Pocket Botanist
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Check these first
- Stick your finger into the soil to feel if it is waterlogged.
- Check if the yellowing is limited to the oldest leaves at the bottom.
- Inspect the base of the plant for any signs of rot or foul odors.
Likely causes
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy. The soil around the base of the plant stays soggy for days after watering.
What to do: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure your planting site has good drainage and is not sitting in a low spot where water collects.
Natural Aging
PossibleHow to tell: Only the oldest, lowest leaves at the base of the plant are turning yellow. The rest of the plant looks vibrant and green.
What to do: Simply trim away the yellowing leaves with clean shears. This is a normal part of the plant life cycle and requires no further action.
Find out what's wrong with your daylily
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
It is normal for a few lower leaves to yellow as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer leaves or if the entire plant begins to wilt.
Stopping it coming back
Water deeply but infrequently, aiming for every 5 to 10 days depending on the heat, and always ensure the soil drains well.
Daylily: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your daylily and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free
Questions people ask
- Should I fertilize yellow leaves?
- No, do not fertilize a stressed plant. Wait until you have corrected the watering issue and the plant shows signs of new growth.
- Is it a disease?
- Yellowing is usually environmental. Unless you see spots or fuzzy growth, it is likely just a reaction to water or light levels.
More problems with Daylily
This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.